Question 1

How do I cope when life’s difficulties become overwhelming?

Accepted Answer

Psalm 145:14The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads.2 Corinthians 1:3All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort.These verses tell us two important truths: (1) God notices when you are overloaded and overwhelmed, and (2) he provides an extra measure of mercy, comfort, and help to those who need it most. When you are overwhelmed, don’t shut God out; let him help you.Isaiah 43:2When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.When you are faced with great adversity, you probably ask, “Where is God when I need him most?” The answer is always the same: He is right beside you. God is there with the power to help you cope. In this life, God doesn’t promise to save you from trouble. In fact, this verse says “when you go through deep waters,” assuming that adversity will come your way because it’s the natural consequence of living in a fallen world. God will not act like a genie in a bottle, granting your every wish, because then you would follow him for the wrong reasons and your character would never grow. Instead, God promises to be with you in your troubles, to give you wisdom to cope, strength to conquer your problems, and understanding to see how you will become stronger as you learn to deal with and overcome adversity.Psalm 55:2Please listen and answer me, for I am overwhelmed by my troubles.Psalm 61:2From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety,Psalm 69:16Answer my prayers, O Lord, for your unfailing love is wonderful. Take care of me, for your mercy is so plentiful.When you are overwhelmed, develop the habit of going directly to God in prayer. Don’t make prayer a last resort. In God you will find One who will listen and defend you against the attacks of the Enemy.Psalm 55:22Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.Psalm 62:8O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.1 Peter 5:7Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.When you are overwhelmed with problems and the worry that comes along with them, you must not let discouragement become so strong that you no longer think God can help you. Don’t ever quit believing that God cares about you and will help you through your problems. If you give up on God, you will cut off your greatest source of help.Psalm 42:5-6Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God!Psalm 71:14I will keep on hoping for your help; I will praise you more and more.The act of praising God in the midst of adversity helps you cope because it keeps you focused on what you need most: hope and confidence in the God who has promised an end to all adversity and a future where only joy and peace will reign forever.Psalm 30:11-12You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!Psalm 126:5-6Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest.Lamentations 3:32-33Though he brings grief, he also shows compassion because of the greatness of his unfailing love. For he does not enjoy hurting people or causing them sorrow.Those who face deep troubles are the ones who will most appreciate and savor the good times when they return. And they will return, if not in this life than for the rest of your life in heaven. With God, the bitter seeds of tears, grief, and mourning will yield a harvest of joy and blessing.

Question 2

How do I cope when life’s demands seem impossible?

Accepted Answer

Genesis 41:16“It is beyond my power to do this,” Joseph replied. “But God can tell you what it means and set you at ease.”Matthew 19:26Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.”Luke 1:37“The word of God will never fail.”Philippians 4:13I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.What seems impossible for you is never impossible for God. At times, God will do the impossible in your life to show you he is there. Expect it, and don’t miss it when it comes.Psalm 31:24So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord!Psalm 39:7So, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you.Psalm 44:6I do not trust in my bow; I do not count on my sword to save me.Psalm 60:12With God’s help we will do mighty things, for he will trample down our foes.Proverbs 3:5Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.Genesis 24:12“O Lord, God of my master, Abraham,” he prayed. “Please give me success today, and show unfailing love to my master, Abraham.”When life’s demands seem impossible, pray to God. He must be your first line of defense. Ask him for success, for guidance, for help. He will provide for you.Luke 10:40-42Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”Colossians 3:23Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.When life’s demands seem impossible, it could be that your priorities are out of whack. Take the time to talk to God about what is overwhelming you and be sure to align those items with God’s priorities. The more you align your activities, motives, and priorities with God’s, the more confident you will be that you have not brought your troubles upon yourself. This relieves guilt and regret, helping you to better cope.Mark 1:35Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.The key to coping when life’s demands seem impossible is to set your priorities early. Don’t let everyone else decide what your day should look like—that should be between you and God. If everyone else determines our day, it’s going to feel impossible and, ultimately, meaningless. If you make time with God your first priority of the day, you will find that he will give you perspective on your activities for the rest of the day. Ask God to show you what is worth being concerned about.Exodus 18:18, 21-24“You’re going to wear yourself out—and the people, too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself. . . . But select from all the people some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as leaders over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten. They should always be available to solve the people’s common disputes, but have them bring the major cases to you. Let the leaders decide the smaller matters themselves. They will help you carry the load, making the task easier for you. If you follow this advice, and if God commands you to do so, then you will be able to endure the pressures, and all these people will go home in peace.” Moses listened to his father-in-law’s advice and followed his suggestions.Don’t try to keep your problems to yourself. After seeking God’s help in prayer, then share your burden with wise and godly people you can trust. Many times seeking godly advice may provide a workable solution you had not considered. God’s wisdom may flow to you through godly counselors. Moses’ father-in-law saw that he was trying to do it all and suggested that he divide up the responsibility of settling disputes with other trusted leaders—leaving only the most difficult for him to handle. Moses listened and was a much more effective leader that way.1 Chronicles 28:20David continued, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. He will see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the Lord is finished correctly.”1 Corinthians 15:58So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.Attitude is so important because it affects motivation—you may feel like things are impossible, but if you trust God to help you plan and adjust priorities, you can focus on the important tasks with a positive attitude. Never give up, fight your battles with courage, and maintain a positive attitude that is based on the facts that the God of the universe loves you, created you, and has offered you the assurance of eternal life. God is working for you, not against you. Remind yourself of that every day and watch how that positively affects your attitude.

Question 3

How can I cope when others fail or hurt me?

Accepted Answer

Ecclesiastes 8:9I have thought deeply about all that goes on here under the sun, where people have the power to hurt each other.Isaiah 2:22Don’t put your trust in mere humans. They are as frail as breath. What good are they?Realize that everyone is human. Even those closest to you are not perfect and will let you down. We all have the capacity to hurt one another. Instead of being surprised when it happens, be understanding and ready to forgive.Matthew 18:21-22Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!1 Corinthians 13:5[Love] does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.Colossians 3:13Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.Be less sensitive to other’s faults and wrongs toward you. Don’t be so quick to assume someone was trying to hurt you; instead, be quick to forgive. They may not even know how their actions affected you. Forgiveness gets rid of bitterness and opens the door to restoring relationships.Proverbs 20:22Don’t say, “I will get even for this wrong.” Wait for the Lord to handle the matter.1 Peter 3:9Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.Wait for the Lord to take care of matters his way. Respond with a blessing rather than retaliation. Evil is best overcome with good and justice, not with more evil.Psalm 7:10God is my shield, saving those whose hearts are true and right.Psalm 25:21May integrity and honesty protect me, for I put my hope in you.2 Timothy 2:24A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people.If your heart is right with God, if you value and live by his principles, you will be much better equipped to cope when others mistreat you and prepared to counteract them with good.2 Samuel 22:31“God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.”Psalm 9:10Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.2 Corinthians 4:9We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.God is the only one who is perfect and whose promises are always true. Even in the worst of times, he will never abandon you, hurt you, or fail to keep his promises. If you want a friend who will never fail you, try the One who will always be with you.Matthew 6:14-15“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.”Luke 17:3-4“So watch yourselves! If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive. Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive.”Luke 23:34Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.”Jesus is the perfect example of forgiveness, so his words are the perfect teaching about forgiveness. When you forgive, it doesn’t always mean you have to restore the relationship—sometimes, you forgive for your own sake. When you refuse to forgive someone, it becomes a bitterness within you and hinders you with emotional baggage.Psalm 10:14You see the trouble and grief they cause. You take note of it and punish them. The helpless put their trust in you. You defend the orphans.Psalm 17:9Protect me from wicked people who attack me, from murderous enemies who surround me.Psalm 31:13-16I have heard the many rumors about me, and I am surrounded by terror. My enemies conspire against me, plotting to take my life. But I am trusting you, O Lord, saying, “You are my God!” My future is in your hands. Rescue me from those who hunt me down relentlessly. Let your favor shine on your servant. In your unfailing love, rescue me.Psalm 142:1-3I cry out to the Lord; I plead for the Lord’s mercy. I pour out my complaints before him and tell him all my troubles. When I am overwhelmed, you alone know the way I should turn.There are evil people in the world who think nothing of lying, cheating, stealing, dealing falsely, or any of a number of other evils. They seem to have no conscience and you can’t begin to understand how they do what they do. In those times, go to God for help. No one can compare with him. He knows what you’re going through, and he will be with you all the way.

Question 4

How can I cope with my insecurities?

Accepted Answer

Matthew 10:29-31“What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.”Psalm 8:4-5What are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them? Yet you made them only a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor.When you’re feeling insecure, remind yourself how valuable you are to God.Deuteronomy 31:8“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”Psalm 139:17-18How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!When you’re feeling insecure, be aware of God’s presence in your life. Take courage that he is by your side, helping you through all things.Jeremiah 1:6-9“O Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!” The Lord replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!” Then the Lord reached out and touched my mouth and said, “Look, I have put my words in your mouth!”2 Corinthians 12:9-10Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.When you’re feeling insecure, acknowledge your weaknesses and trust that God will provide his strength to enable you to follow his call. Obediently and trustingly accept his assignments for you.Proverbs 6:20My son, obey your father’s commands, and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction.Proverbs 15:22Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.Proverbs 19:20Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life.1 Corinthians 12:8To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge.Colossians 3:16Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.When you’re feeling insecure, get help from friends, your pastor, or a professional counselor. These people can help you talk through your insecurities and see yourself as the amazing child of God that you are.1 John 4:16We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.When you’re feeling insecure, have confidence because the almighty God lives in you!

Question 5

How can I help others cope?

Accepted Answer

2 Corinthians 1:4He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.Be sensitive to each person God brings into your life. He often provides opportunities for you to comfort others who are going through circumstances similar to your own.Romans 15:30Dear brothers and sisters, I urge you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to join in my struggle by praying to God for me. Do this because of your love for me, given to you by the Holy Spirit.Pray for them. One of the best ways you can help others is to intercede for them before God’s throne in prayer.Job 42:11Then all his brothers, sisters, and former friends came and feasted with him in his home. And they consoled him and comforted him because of all the trials the Lord had brought against him. And each of them brought him a gift of money and a gold ring.Be present for those in need. Often, a time of enjoying fellowship provides comfort. Love and support can also be communicated in financial gifts. At other times, there is power in just being there that often exceeds the power of words.Job 21:2“Listen closely to what I am saying. That’s one consolation you can give me.”Learn to distinguish between those who are just complaining and those who are truly struggling. Tune your ears to hear the inner cry of someone hurting. Sometimes what they need most is someone who will simply listen and without interrupting.1 Corinthians 9:22When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some.You can help others by empathizing with them. A sympathetic heart recognizes another’s problems; an empathetic heart shares those hurts and helps bring hope and healing to them. Remember when you went through tough times. This gives you the insight and patience to help others through their tough times.Proverbs 12:25Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.Proverbs 15:23Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!Proverbs 25:11Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket.Ephesians 4:29Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.To help others who are struggling, ask God to give you the right words. They should be encouraging, fitting, timely, good, and helpful.Titus 3:14Our people must learn to do good by meeting the urgent needs of others; then they will not be unproductive.James 2:14-16What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?To help others who are trying to cope with difficulty, try to offer practical help. In other words, don’t just feel bad for them; instead, find out practical ways you can assist them.

Coping